Volendam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Volendam
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Volendam harbour
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| Country | Netherlands | |
| Province | North Holland | |
| Municipality | Edam-Volendam | |
| Population
(1 January 2021)
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22,715 | |
Volendam is a charming tourist town in the Netherlands. It is located in the province of North Holland, within the Edam-Volendam municipality. Volendam is famous for its pretty streets, old fishing boats, and the special traditional clothes some people still wear. The women's costume, with its tall, pointed hat, is one of the most famous Dutch outfits. You often see it on postcards! As of 2021, about 22,715 people live here. Volendam is also connected to Coventry, England, as a twin town.
Contents
History of Volendam
How Volendam Started
Volendam began as the harbour for the nearby city of Edam. This harbour was at the mouth of the IJ bay.
In 1357, the people of Edam dug a new, shorter canal to the Zuiderzee. This new canal had its own harbour. Because of this, the old harbour was no longer needed. It was then blocked off with a dam and the land was used for farming. Farmers and local fishermen moved there, creating a new community. They called it Vollendam or Follendam, which means 'Full dam'.
Artists' Village in the 1800s
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, many artists came to Volendam. They loved the real and beautiful way of life of the people living there.
During this time, Hotel Spaander became a popular place for artists. It offered rooms and places for them to work on their art. The hotel became well-known in the art world. Foreign artists staying at Hotel Spaander helped make Volendam famous around the world. Their paintings, often showing Volendam's scenery, helped share the village's culture.
Today, Hotel Spaander has a collection of over 1300 artworks made in Volendam. Many paintings inspired by Volendam are also in famous museums worldwide. These include Tate Britain, National Gallery of Art, and the Rijksmuseum.
New Year's Fire Tragedy
On New Year's Eve, from 2000 to 2001, a serious fire happened at a party in a café called De Hemel. The fire started when sparklers lit up dry Christmas decorations on the ceiling. This caused a quick but intense fire. It was a very sad event for the community.
Volendam Culture
Volendam Dialect
In Volendam, people speak a special language called the Volendam dialect. It is a unique local version of the West Frisian dialect. The Volendam dialect is a big part of the village's history and culture. Most people in Volendam still use it in their daily talks.
Traditional Costume
The Volendam traditional costume is called "Volendammer klederdracht" in Dutch. It is a very famous and easy-to-recognize outfit from the village. This traditional dress has deep historical roots. It is still a symbol of the village's cultural identity.
Most people in Volendam do not wear the traditional costume every day anymore. However, it is still a very important part of the village's identity. People often wear it for special events, celebrations, and cultural festivals. One such event is the Volendammer Kermis. Tourists visiting Volendam also often try on the costume to experience the local culture.
The costume has become a famous symbol of Dutch culture. You can often see it in photos, postcards, and at cultural events.
Volendam Festival
The Volendammer Kermis is a yearly festival held in Volendam. This celebration started in the 1700s. It usually happens during the first weekend of September. Many locals and visitors from all over the country come to enjoy it.
The Volendammer Kermis is a lively event that shows off Volendam's culture and traditions. It lasts for four days. The festival includes fun fairground rides, games, live music, and delicious Dutch food and drinks.
Religion in Volendam
Most people in Volendam have traditionally been part of the Roman Catholic Church. This church is very important to the village's culture. In the past, many missionaries and bishops grew up in Volendam. Today, there is a chapel called Our Lady of the Water in a village park.
Sports in Volendam
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FC Volendam is a football club from Volendam. They have often played in the top Dutch league, the Eredivisie. In 2022, FC Volendam moved up to the Eredivisie after being in the Eerste Divisie for 13 years. After the 2023-24 season, FC Volendam went back down to the Eerste Divisie.
Volendam in Film
Volendam was a filming spot for a 2014 Bollywood movie called Queen. The film starred the Indian actress Kangana Ranaut.
Volendam Music
Volendam is also famous for its special music style. It is called Palingsound, which means "eel sound." This name comes from Volendam being a fishing village known for eels. In the 1960s, a local band called The Cats became very popular in the Netherlands and other countries.
Another famous band from Volendam was BZN. They became popular in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In 1995, BZN sang a song with a ten-year-old boy named Jan Smit. He quickly became a celebrity on his own.
The music groups 3JS and Nick & Simon are also from Volendam. Their members have all been part of local music shows for many years.
Famous People from Volendam
- Gerrie Mühren (born 1946), international footballer
- Jan Keizer (born 1949), singer
- Arnold Mühren (born 1951), international footballer
- Pier Tol (born 1958), international footballer
- Carla Braan (born 1961), gymnast
- Carola Smit (born 1963), singer
- Wim Jonk (born 1966), international footballer
- Nick Schilder (born 1983), singer
- Simon Keizer (born 1984), singer
- Jan Smit (born 1985), singer
- Cees Keizer (born 1986), footballer
- Janey Jacké (born 1992) a Dutch drag performer who competed in Drag Race Holland (season 1) and RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs the World was born in Purmerend but grew up in Volendam.
See also
In Spanish: Volendam para niños
